Accurate measurement is crucial given the growing interest in SDF-1α both as a potential biomarker and therapy for ischaemic cardiomyopathy.[34–38] Baerts et al. recognised that ex vivo truncation of SDF-1α significantly affects plasma SDF-1α measurement.[21] Using tubes treated with DPP4 inhibitors they collected plasma samples from patients with heart failure and associated SDF-1α level with heart failure severity, according to ejection fraction. Here, CXCL12 is linked to heart failure.